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need some help!

R

RobinsonFam1

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Nov 16, 2005
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Hello everyone!
I just recieved a new mini lathe and have a quick question. I am interested in turning pens but the spindle is not a morse taper, niether a standard size thread. The spindle is 5/8" 11tpi. Does anyone know of an adapter to fit this so i can go to a standard size? Or would it be worth it to call a machine shop to make me one?

thanks for helping the newbie!
BR
 
I would advise against putting any money towards this lathe. I don't know of any spindle adapters that will fit that size, and a custom-made one isn't going to be cheap. Put your cash towards a Jet mini or similar, with a standard spindle size (1" x 8 tpi)--if you get bitten by the turning bug, you'll definitly want to upgrade. I hear the Wilton mini, with a 3/4" spindle, is worthwhile at around $100--I've seen it in the stores and doesn't look too bad. It has a #1 morse taper in the spindle and tailstock.
 
I like the PSI Turncrafter Pro midi lathe. The Turncrafter Plus isn't bad either. It's much much much better than the mini lathe you have. Maybe you can sell the one you have and put it towards the purchase of a PSI lathe. The Turncrafter Plus has a variable speed motor. I believe the cost is around $130.
 
I would be interested in the brand lathe you got. I don't know of any that have 5/8 x 11 and think it would be impossible to afind any sort of adaptors. Jets, Delta and other clones have 1"x 8, Carbo tec has 3/4 X 16 and I'm pretty sure the HF clones of Carbo tec have 3/16. These all have either #1 or #2 Morse tapers as well.
 
kengrunke said:
I hear the Wilton mini, with a 3/4" spindle, is worthwhile at around $100--I've seen it in the stores and doesn't look too bad. It has a #1 morse taper in the spindle and tailstock.
Click to expand...
Hi Ken, I had a new turner bring their Wilton lathe out for a quick lesson, I felt that the lathe was way underpowered even at its 8" capacity. I did however force the turner to use sharp tools and good technique to cut rather than force the tool which is a good thing.
 
I just tore up and fixed a Jet mini, and then I liked it so much I went out and bought one for myself. I highly recommend it...

Now I can tear up my own....
 
thanks for help everyone!
This is a generic that was a gift via mail. It came in damaged to top things off. But on the other hand I have contacted the company to work out a credit so I can purchase a better model. I was looking at the Wilton, (Glad you said it was underpowered since I plan on turning small bowls), and yes the turncrafters also. As a guide, what should I look for in features other than spindles, tapers, cast iron? is VS better than belts? etc..etc...

Thanks!
BR

OhJohn: its made by Rand?????
 
Yeah you can find Rand lathes on ebay. Sold under many names, not just Rand. That odd spindle size will be a real pain to find accessories for. In my opinion 1/2hp is ok for smaller things, but 3/4hp is better if your doing medium sized bowl... around 6" or so in diameter. As for the VS v. Changing speeds by belt... It all depends on the temperature outside for me. In cold weather in an unheated shop it hurts my hands to mess around in the cold trying to change a belt speed. If you are into turning out pieces quickly to keep your production time at a minimum...then you would benefit by a VS motor. For hobby I think manual belt change is fine.
 
Ok...thanks again everyone.....yeah i found out that it was purchased on
e-bay too. I thought about the metric idea too but to convert with an adapter I would still have to call a machine shop. Im now looking at a turncrafter. Take the credit from the return and apply it to the new one.
Ill keep the 1/2 Hp in mind.

BR
 
Turncrafter pro.

Utuk_Xul said:
I like the PSI Turncrafter Pro midi lathe. The Turncrafter Plus isn't bad either. It's much much much better than the mini lathe you have. Maybe you can sell the one you have and put it towards the purchase of a PSI lathe. The Turncrafter Plus has a variable speed motor. I believe the cost is around $130.
Click to expand...
Where can you get the Turncrafter pro for $130? Where did you see it advertised? Looking to buy one
 
An idea

If you are going to only turn a few pens and don’t want to buy a new lathe you could try mounting a block of hardwood to the faceplate true it up and drill a hole in the center.

The hole should be about half the size of the morse taper you are using to hold the guide rod. Tap the taper into the hole until it is secure. Screw in the guide rod and align it with the live center for your tail stock.

My wife bought me everything I need to make pens for Christmas presents 🙂 but it would not fit my lathe. I was trying to find an adapter and could not find one. :mad: I came up with this idea just after I went out and bought a new lathe (New for me) so I did not try it.

It might be worth a try. Use caution and go slow.
 
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